Drivers urged to make sure their licences have not expired

The Road Safety Authority (RSA ) is urging drivers to check the expiry date on their licences and learner permits, as many drivers may be unknowingly driving with expired licences.

The RSA normally sends out a notification to drivers to let them know that their licence is about to expire. However, if the driver changed address and did not inform the RSA, they will not get the letter advising them to renew their licence. As a result, many drivers may be unknowingly driving with expired licences.

If it has already expired, drivers should go to any of the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS ) centres nationwide and renew as soon as possible. Ms Moyagh Murdock, chief executive of the RSA, said: “It is the individual’s responsibility to make sure that their driving licence is in date at all times. However, due to changing address, many drivers may not have received a notification that their licence is due to expire.

“November and December are the quietest months of the year at the NDLS centres, so we would urge drivers to check when their licence or learner permit is due to expire and to make an appointment to get it renewed as soon as possible. This will also help to avoid any last-minute panic and to ensure you get your licence renewed in good time.

“This is particularly important for people who are planning to travel or move abroad and who may not realise their licence is expired or due to expire. Don’t leave it until the night before your dream holiday to discover your licence is out of date.”

To book an appointment with any of the NDLS centres, visit ndls.ie The RSA is reminding drivers that you can renew a licence up to three months before its expiry date. However, if your licence has expired for 10 years or more, you must start the application process again and take a driver theory test, mandatory driving lessons, and a driving test.